Blood test developed that could speed up diagnosis of rare diseases in babies

The new test requires as little as 1ml of blood from a newborn for mitochondrial diseases, whereas current techniques involve a muscle biopsy. Photograph: UK Stock Images Ltd/Alamy

A new blood-based test that could help speed up diagnoses for children born with rare genetic disorders has been developed by researchers in an effort to provide answers – and treatments – sooner.

Rare genetic disorders include a host of conditions, from cystic fibrosis to diseases relating to the mitochondria – the powerhouses of our cells. However, getting a diagnosis can be arduous.